Mini tummy tuck

E-consultations

A mini tummy tuck, also called mini-abdominoplasty is characterised by the excess skin removal from below the navel. The incision is usually hidden in the bikini line. The abdominal muscles below the navel can be tightened if necessary. Excess fat can also be removed from the lower stomach during the same procedure.

After pregnancy, weightloss or just with age the skin at the lower abdomen can become slack or display stretch marks. A mini tummy tuck - also called mini-abdominoplasty or mini stomach correction - can offer a solution.

With a mini tummy tuck we separate the skin at the lower stomach from the underlying fat and muscle layers.

The scars generally run horizontally and are located in the bikini line: just above the pubic bone. With larger stomachs which have more excess skin it is sometimes necessary to extend the scar to the groin or the hips.

Possible treatments:

Mini tummy tuck : the procedure

Consultation:

During your consultation with the surgeon all aspects of your treatment will be discussed: which stomach correction method is best for you, the expected results, possible risks and aftercare. The doctor will assess whether you are a suitable candidate for treatment.

Risks and Complications:

Thanks to modern sedation techniques complications are rare. General surgical complications which can occur after any operation are: post-operative bleeding, infections, sensory disturbance, thrombosis, a wound which doesn't heal properly or an allergic reaction. Specific complications associated with stomach correction are: an irregular skin surface, hypertrophic scar formation, skin discolouration after bruising and water retention. It is important that you stop smoking before the operation to prevent tissue necrosis.

Anaesthetic:

A mini tummy tuck can be performed under intravenous sedation. A general anaesthetic is not necessary. The biggest advantage of intravenous sedation is that it is a much safer technique than a general anaesthetic. You are asleep and feel no pain at all. You feel fit and well again a few hours after the operation and you are spared the often unpleasant side-effects of a general anaesthetic. The same evening after your treatment you can return home or to your hotel.

Treatment:

Before the doctor starts the tummy tuck procedure he will carefully mark the area to be treated. The places where the incisions will be made will also be carefully marked.

After the treatment the incisions are bandaged. There may be drains (thin tubes) leading from the bandages to drain off any fluid from the wound.These drains usually need to stay in place for two days. You are dressed in the special elastic / compression bandage which you were previously measured for. Then you are taken to the recovery room with heart monitor surveillance. You can usually return to your room an hour later.

Aftercare and Recovery:

After the procedure you are given special aftercare instructions. It is very important that someone comes to meet you because you are not permitted to drive yourself after having a stomach correction.

You will be individually advised to wear the elastic bandage or compression garments for between 2-4 weeks. The compression bandages provide support: which will feel comfortable. The girdle ensures that the skin around the stomach becomes nice and tight. Therefore it is best to wear the girdle day and night: 23/24. The girdle dries quickly so you can wash and dry it in an hour.

The scars must be kept dry until the stitches are removed.

The external stitches are removed about a week after the procedure.

You may then take a luke-warm shower but not a bath.

The subcutaneous stitches are self-dissolving.

After the procedure you will be given a 3-day course of antibiotics.

Allow yourself a minimum of 2 weeks to rest after the procedure.

A week after the procedure you can resume light daily activities.

After 6 weeks you can resume your sporting activities and lifting.

It is important that the scar is not put under any pressure for a few weeks after stomach correction surgery. The first 3 months after treatment the scar will be red and lumpy; after this the redness will start to fade. After 12 to 18 months the scars are fully healed, until this time it is important to protect your scar from the sun.

Results of a Mini Tummy tuck

Following a tummy tuck the stomach will be swollen and bruised. The swelling and bruising will last a few weeks. After 6 weeks you will see the results of the procedure. The final result will be visible about a year after your operation, when the scars and subcutaneous tissue are completely healed.

The results of a mini tummy tuck are permanent.

The surgeons at the Wellness Kliniek are specialists in tummy tuck surgery. We offer the full range of modern tummy tuck techniques.

All plastic surgeons and dentists are experts in their cosmetic field and are fully government registered in their medical specialty. Wellness Kliniek Belgium stands for safe surgery. The Wellness Kliniek has 4 operating rooms, recovery department, accommodation facility, 25 beds, 10 private rooms with bathroom.

Mini tummy tuck: remove excess skin on the abdomen, under the umbilicus. If necessary, the abdominal muscles are also tightened. During this procedure, an optional liposuction (liposculpture) can also be performed on the abdomen (where necessary). The intervention, or combinations of interventions on the abdomen, are carried out in Belgium, at the Wellness Kliniek.